Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young issues statement on the passing of baseball Hall of Famer Mr. Frank Robinson

BALTIMORE, MD – “My heart is truly heavy with the passing of Mr. Frank Robinson.

I’d like to offer my deepest condolences to his family and close friends.

As a young boy, who dreamed of playing baseball in the Major Leagues, Mr. Robinson stood out as a larger than life figure. I followed his career closely - from his accomplishments on the field to his further shattering of racial barriers by becoming the first African-American manager in Major League Baseball in 1974.

Nearly four decades after Mr. Robinson made history, I had the honor of partnering with him through my annual President’s Cup high school baseball tournament. Mr. Robinson was generous with his time and jumped at the chance to teach a new generation of student-athletes about the lifelong benefits of teamwork and perseverance.

I teased Mr. Robinson in 2012 as we prepared to throw simultaneous ceremonial first pitches during my high school baseball showcase at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

On the outside, I absurdly talked up my youthful pitching form that would have caused him to strike out – a statement that left both of us laughing uncontrollably.

On the inside, however, I was filled with pride.

I looked at my childhood hero and felt immense gratitude that he continued to spend his years teaching young people a little about the game of baseball and a lot about how to be courageous in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

On behalf of the citizens of Baltimore, we salute Mr. Robinson for serving as a role model for the ages.”

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